Community,
Writing to you all on the other side of the 2024 Election feels like a moment of collective reflection and grief, with a sprinkle of hope. This journey for many of us has been long, filled with moments of uncertainty (or “nauseous optimism”) and an unwavering demand for change. I see you; I hear you, and I'm with you. <3
I mentioned to many of my community yesterday that, for the first time in a long time, I was unsure about where we go from here. What would a 2nd Trump presidency mean for the reality of our hopes for the country and our workplaces? How would it impact our advocacy and activism around just and equitable workplaces? And what about our community members who feel fear, angst, and hopelessness around their own opportunities and potential?
I cried, I screamed, I talked to the people closest to me, and found safe spaces to process. I allowed myself to feel the emotions and the grief that set in, and I hope you did too.
Once I processed some of that grief, I was able to hold two truths at once. First, there will be real and significant shifts under this presidency that will impact our world and the world of work. We need to stay responsive and ahead of them, which gives me even more clarity around what Call for Culture and the 2025 Culture Impact Lab will need to focus on in 2025 and beyond.
Second, the power to influence the world of work does not lie solely with Washington.
We, as communities, professionals, and leaders have the power to:
?? Shape our world and our workplaces
??Advocate for fair and just treatment
??Protect people by honoring their dignity and their rights
??Uplift one another in our practice and our work
??Hold leaders accountable for creating healthy and flourishing workplace cultures that contribute to people's well-being
??Ensure that economic opportunity remains within reach for all.
Bottom line: the work does not stop here and, now more than ever, what happens in the world will indeed happen at work. In my opinion, that gap has narrowed even more significantly, and our ability to continue to be voices for change is paramount.
I leave you with this: your advocacy and your leadership over the next few months might be solely focused on your well-being and joy.
Please take time to fill your cup, honor yourself, and protect your peace. Meet the moment you need right now to continue the work later - we need you. ??